As we head into the holiday season, take a minute to slow down and disconnect from what you think you HAVE to do, and think about what you WANT to do. Regardless of what holidays you celebrate, there are usually things on your to-do list that you wish weren’t there. Those are the things that stress you out and make you dread what is coming up. See if you can pare down your list and simplify a little this year. Cutting your list in half may seem draconian, but perhaps you could try taking two things off this year. Do you hate making pies, but always make them because you always have? Maybe try buying the pies this year. Or do you dread how busy you get, going to this party and that performance?  Maybe you could cut one or two out this year, and take the time to make those pies you love to make. Do you always do something because you just know your kids love it and expect it? Sit them down and ask them what they really think. You may find out that you are correct, and that it is something you want to be sure you keep time to do, but you may find out that it doesn’t really matter to them and you will have found something that you can cut out – you won’t know if you don’t ask! The bottom-line here is to make more room for what you really want to do, and try to take some of the ‘shoulds’ out of your holidays. It won’t be easy but it will be worth it.  Good luck!